Solar Panel Cost Guide in Las Flores, CA (Mar 2023)
- Las Flores Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $15,401
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Las Flores
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Las Flores.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Las Flores, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Las Flores, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,504, or $7,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Las Flores depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Las Flores for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Las Flores
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,667 |
| 3 years | $-2,995 |
| 5 years | $-1,323 |
| 7 years | $350 |
| 9 years | $2,022 |
| 11 years | $3,694 |
| 13 years | $5,367 |
| 15 years | $7,039 |
| 17 years | $8,711 |
| 19 years | $10,384 |
| 21 years | $12,056 |
| 23 years | $13,728 |
| 25 years | $15,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Las Flores
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Las Flores
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Las Flores
There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Las Flores, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Las Flores offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Las Flores, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $31,563 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,389 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $53,369 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,501 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $75,787 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $87,225 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $98,816 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $110,560 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Las Flores, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Las Flores?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Las Flores, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.